[Nfbf-l] Fw: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's policy concerning out of state services

Fri Apr 23 02:24:21 UTC 2010

Birmingham Alabama? No, I've been in Florida my intire life. RJ
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kirk" <kvharmon54 at gmail.com>
To: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 9:31 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Fw: questions concerning informed choice,and DBS's 
policy concerning out of state services


> RJ, I am curious as to whether or not you ever had rehab from Birmingham
> V.A.? I do know that I went their 10 years ago and found it quite a 
> learning
> experience. I also know that your equipment that best fits your needs are
> given to you without charge. I found them quite thorough and when I 
> returned
> from it I was quite capable. If you still decide to use the DBS and the
> civilian side of your options, I have been told that the NFB's Louisiana
> center is quite thorough as well. I do not know the cost of their program,
> as I have never been their, but I can assure you, in one man's opinion, I
> know both are capable and affective options for you! Your friend in the
> cause, Kirk
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Kirk Harmon
> 1031 Lenmore CT.
> Orlando, FL. 32812
> Office: 407-380-3371
> Cell: 407-473-2176
>
> Founder
> Florida Disabled Citizens for Progress
> President-CEO
> FDCP Association
> 911 cell Phone Bank
> Manager
>
> Mayor's Veterans Advisory Counsel
>
> State of Florida Veterans Counsel
> Member
> NFB
> ACB
> TRIAD
> DAV
> BVA
> Disabled
> Advocate
>
> for Florida
>
> " F.D.C.P. Turning HOPE into REALITY"
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "RJ Sandefur" <joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com>
> To: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 12:38 PM
> Subject: [Nfbf-l] Fw: questions concerning informed choice,and DBS's 
> policy
> concerning out of state services
>
>
> Hey, I need your feedback on what I should do. The District administrator
> wants to refer me to the lighthouse of the palmbeachs, but I do not want 
> to
> go there. I want to go to LCB. Any tips, as to what I should say? RJ 
> Please
> just keep your comments on the list. I just am asking for some guidance
> here. RJ
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: Howard-Davis, Bobbie
> To: RJ Sandefur
> Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 11:51 AM
> Subject: RE: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's policy
> concerning out of state services
>
>
> Mr. Sandefur, please accept my condolence to you on the lost of your 
> mother.
>
> If you need some adjustment to blindness training at this time, we can
> reopen your file and refer you the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm
> Beaches at this time for training.
>
>
>
> I am also attaching a copy the Division's policy on Informed Choice to 
> help
> you in making your decision about training.
>
>
>
> I know you are aware of the DBS policy on Out-State-Services, because you
> attached it to your e-mail.
>
>
>
> In order to assist you with training services, please call our office and
> ask to have your case reopen for services at 561-681-2448 or 866-225-0794.
>
>
>
>
>
> Bobbie Howard-Davis
>
> District Administrator
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> From: RJ Sandefur [mailto:joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com]
> Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 10:09 AM
> To: Howard-Davis, Bobbie
> Subject: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's policy concerning
> out of state services
>
>
> Dear Mrs. Davis, My name is Robert Sandefur, I have some questions for you
> concerning my right to informed choice, and the DBS policy concerning out 
> of
> state services. In 1999, I attended the rehabilitation center, which is 
> now
> the orientation and adjustment center, and did not find the experience to 
> be
> a pleasant one. In 2004, I closed my case with DBS, due to a disagreement
> with my councilor at the time. However, due to having recently lost my
> mother, and other factors, I believe I am in need of some adjustment to
> blindness training, and this training should be conducted at the Louisiana
> center for the blind. (LCB) I was looking at the DBS web sight and came
> across the policy concerning out of state services:
> Out of State Services
> DIVISION POLICY 6.14
>
> SUBJECT
> Out of State Services
>
> EFFECTIVE DATE
> July 9, 2003
>
> REVISION DATE
> February 14, 2008
>
> EXPIRATION DATE
> This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed.
>
> PURPOSE
>
> To provide guidelines for the provision of out-of-state services.
>
> AUTHORITY
> 34 CFR 361.50(b)
>
> POLICY
> The Florida Division of Blind Services has established a preference for
> in-State services, provided that the preference does not effectively deny 
> an
> individual a necessary service. If the individual chooses an out-of-State
> service at a higher cost than an in-State service, and either service 
> would
> meet the individual's rehabilitation needs, the designated State unit is 
> not
> responsible for those costs in excess of the cost of the in-State service.
> However, if the out-of-state services provides a unique service to meet 
> the
> individual's rehabilitation plan, the Bureau Chief should be contacted to
> approve or disapproval such a service.
>
> Original signed by Michael Elliott, Bureau Chief, February 14, 2008 But
> compare this with a directive from RSA. policy as stated in 2001 in RSA
> PD-01-03:
>
>
>      POLICY STATEMENT:  The State VR program must provide applicants
> and individuals eligible for VR services with opportunities to
> exercise informed choice throughout the VR process, including making
> decisions about the employment goal, VR services, service providers,
> settings for employment and service provision, and methods for
> procuring services.  To enable an individual to make such decisions,
> the State VR agency must provide information, support and assistance
> needed by the individual.  The VR agency has the responsibility to
> implement policies, procedures, and practices, and to develop
> resources that enable applicants and individuals eligible for VR
> services to exercise informed choice throughout the entire VR process;
> these policies, procedures, and practices must be consistent with
> Federal statutory and regulatory requirements. Mrs. Davis, Does this mean,
> that DBS can tell me, "RJ, we're denying your request to attend LCB, due 
> to
> causts?" I do realize I'd have to open a new case with DBS, since the
> previous one was closed in 2004. For your convience, I've attached a
> document explaining what LCB is, although I'm shure you know who they are.
> Mrs. Davis, This is only an inquiry, and I wish to get my facts so that 
> I'll
> be able to have enough information in order to make an informed choice as 
> to
> where to go from here. I did study with a Seminary, and obtain my master 
> of
> theology, in 2006, and I was licensed by my church to preach in 2005. It 
> was
> tough loosing Mom, and I know, she'd want me to continue doing what I
> believe the Lord has called me to do. However, How am I going to be an
> effective minister, if I don't have the blindness training, needed to
> sirvive? Another concern I have, is I have learned some ministers start 
> out
> as by-vocational. In 2004, until now, I didn't see that aspect of it. I 
> have
> a batchors degree in criminal justice. Another not so wise disision on my
> part. Mrs. Davis, I look forward to your answer. Sencerly, Robert Sandefur
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
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